Distribution, habitat characteristics and conservation status of the forest wire-grass Ehrharta juncea (R. Br.) Sprengel (Poaceae) in Tasmania

Ehrharta juncea (forest wire-grass) has a disjunct distribution across northern and western Tasmania. Key sites for the species are the Crayfish Creek area in north-western Tasmania, the Claytons Rivulet area in the central north, the Dazzler Range in the West Tamar area and the Mt Maurice area in the north-east. It occurs predominantly in wet sclerophyll forest on a range of substrates, mainly in coastal and subcoastal hinterlands, although the occurrence at Mt Maurice is inland at higher altitudes. The species’ distribution is strongly associated with disturbance, including fire, logging, and clearing for easements such as roads and pipelines. Most known sites occur on Crown Land or State forest. Ehrharta juncea occurs in several reserves including Crayfish Creek Forest Reserve, Mt Maurice Forest Reserve, Little Peggs Beach State Reserve and the Arthur–Pieman Conservation Area. An assessment of the conservation status of the species suggests that its current Rare status may be unwarranted but that the species' response to disturbance should be monitored.